Constitutional Law Keyed to Stone

Brief Fact Summary. Each of Mobile, Alabama’s City Commissioners was elected under an at-large voting scheme. No black had ever been elected to the Commission. The Appellees, Bolden and others (Appellees), challenged the constitutionality of the at-large system.

Synopsis of Rule of Law. At-large electoral schemes are invalid only if their purpose is invidiously to minimize or cancel out the voting potential of racial or ethnic minorities.

Facts. Mobile Alabama was governed by a City Commission consisting of three commissioners. Each of the three commissioners was elected by the residents of the city at-large. Although Mobile has a substantial black population, no black has ever been elected to the Commission. The Appellees challenged the at-large system on Equal Protection grounds.

Issue. Did the at-large electoral system of mobile unconstitutionally dilute the voting strength of blacks?

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